Suspected Tirop murderer denied bond

Prime suspect in the murder of Olympian and World Cross Country champion Agnes Tirop, her husband Ibrahim Rotich, has been denied bond by the High Court in Eldoret. 

Tirop was found murdered in the home she shared with the suspect in Iten on 13 October 2021 and Rotich was arrested in Mombasa two days later reportedly trying to flee the country. 

He was presented before court on 16 November 2021 for plea-taking where he denied the murder charges. His bond application then was also denied for fear of influencing witnesses, some of whom are his relatives  

Nation Sport report that Justice Reuben Nyakundi noted that the conduct of the accused since the incident was questionable hence the court found it hard to release him on bond.

“Bearing in mind that the matter before us is associated with gender-based violence, your conduct as the accused person has made this court to doubt if released on bond you will be available during the proceedings. 

Tirop's Angels to hold GBV-awareness 10km run

Personal circumstances and steps you took after the incident and the manner in which you behaved from the beginning makes this court deny you bond. However, you have a right to request the court to revisit the ruling at a later stage,” Justice Nyakundi ruled. 

Following her murder athletes across the country held peaceful demonstrations calling on the government and the federation to take action in ending GBV. 

A group of female athletes led by Joan Chelimo also came together to start a foundation named Tirop’s Angels aimed at creating awareness and taking the fight against GBV to the community by educating them, lobbying and helping hold accountable those who perpetrate crimes and injustices against the vulnerable, especially women and children. 

Athletics Kenya also moved to name the World Athletics Cross Country Tour after the 10km record holder. Her sponsor Adidas also named this year's AdiZero 'Road to Records' women's 10km race after her.